Questions Answered about Skin Problems in Cats

The cats skin is a fairly amazing part of their body – it makes hair, has specialised parts like whiskers, produces waxes to keep their hair healthy, helps regulate their temperature, and can change hair position to make them look bigger in a fight. Such a special organ can also get some very special problems and skin problems in cats are quite common and varied.

Abscesses – Cats that meet other cats often fight, this is normal cat behavior. In the wild, they are not pack animals and defend their territory defensively.

Ringworm – Ringworm is NOT a worm/parasite infection. It is a fungal disease that often causes circular lesions that expand outwards. Ringworm is more common in kittens, especially sick ones, and in long haired breeds.

Allergies – Cats do get allergies and just like people, can get allergic dermatitis. Some cats will be allergic to fleas, plants, pollen’s, wool, and even foods. Allergies can develop as cats get older and can become more serious as they age.

My recommendations to people with allergic pets are:

Diary – keep a diary of when your cat has skin problems, what is happening in their life and what they are eating.

Omega 3 fatty acids can be added to the cats diet.

There are skin specialists for cats and dogs – do not be afraid to ask your vet for a referral.

NB. Flea allergies are incredibly common. You will not see fleas on most flea allergic animals because they will eat the fleas when grooming. One flea bite every 2 weeks is enough to cause a problem in these pets.

Overgrooming – After a cat has been nervous, they will groom themselves. This makes them calm. For some cats this becomes excessive and they “overgroom”. Often these cats have bald bellies or flanks or sometimes forelegs

Cancers – Skin cancers are common and vary in size, appearance and location. Cancers will not always look nasty initially.

Dandruff – Cats, like people, can get dandruff. A little dandruff can be acceptable.

Shedding and Knots – As vets, we are often asked what we can give to stop hair falling out.

With room themes ranging from Fijian to Oriental to Parisian, even the most finicky of felines will likely find an ambience they adore.

“We have found a lot of owners reporting the cats are a lot happier and social when they get back home, this relaxes them,” Ms Dos Santos said. “Especially The Ritz room, that seems to be the most popular and soothing.” The Ritz – available for $75 a night – is described on the hotel’s website as having: “Beautiful, tranquil and relaxing decor with window views.”

Telstra business finalist is purr-fect

CHARLIE walks past a statue of the Eiffel Tower in his Paris-themed hotel room complete with three levels, French wash furniture, ensuite and floor-to-ceiling print of the Eiffel Tower at sunset.

Aged three, Charlie is a Russian Blue cat who recently stayed at luxury “cat hotel” Divine Creatures in Willoughby, where for between $28.50 and $100 a day, cats stay while their owners go on holiday.

The cattery’s most expensive and largest room, called the Penthouse Lounge, has a floor-to-ceiling window, fireplace, large screen TV, two human-sized lounges and personal butler service.

“It’s the most luxurious,” said cattery co-owner Ms Dos Santos. “We literally offer a butler service for that room. “They are the first to get cleaned out and when they meow we come running.” Rooms have holiday themes including Paris, Fiji, New York,and Greece.